DWI Lawyer in Audrain County, MO
DWI Lawyer in Audrain County, MO. Facing allegations of driving while intoxicated (DWI) can be a daunting experience, particularly considering the potential repercussions for Audrain County, MO drivers. Beyond the immediate consequences of a minimum 60-day suspension of your driving privileges, hefty fines, elevated insurance premiums, and enduring points on your license, the aftermath extends to enduring damage to your reputation within your Audrain County community or your professional sphere. Also, international travel prospects may be thwarted, with countries like Canada prohibiting entry for people with a DWI conviction on their record.
If you find yourself in the challenging situation of facing DWI charges after being pulled over in the Audrain County, MO area, it’s crucial to enlist the support of an experienced DWI lawyer in Audrain County. Waste no time; call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or through our online contact form to initiate the process of crafting a robust defense for your case. Take advantage of our attorneys’ expertise through a free, no-strings-attached consultation to discuss the details of your situation and your next steps.
Article Summary
If you’ve been arrested for DWI in the Audrain County, MO area, the consequences can be severe—license suspension, steep fines, a criminal record, and even jail time. But a charge is not a conviction, and with the right legal team, you may be able to avoid the most damaging outcomes. At Combs Waterkotte, our experienced Audrain County, MO DWI lawyers fight aggressively to protect your rights, reputation, and future. This in-depth page covers everything you need to know after a DWI arrest in or around Audrain County, MO: what to do at a traffic stop, the criminal and administrative penalties involved, first-time and repeat offense consequences, and how to challenge breath tests, field sobriety evidence, and police procedures. Whether this is your first DWI or a subsequent offense, our Audrain County, MO attorneys create strategic defenses built to win—often securing dismissals, reductions, or alternative sentencing.

Have You Been Pulled Over Anywhere in the Audrain County, MO Area?
Having a tenacious and proficient Audrain County, MO DWI lawyer on your case can — and often does — make the difference between pleading guilty to DWI and suffering all its consequences, and having charges reduced or even dismissed. At Combs Waterkotte, our seasoned Audrain County, MO DWI attorneys fight tirelessly on behalf of all our clients throughout the Audrain County, MO area facing DWI charges. No matter if this is your first encounter with law enforcement or if you are dealing with DWI charges again, our firm is committed to providing your Audrain County, MO DWI case with the attention it deserves. We formulate a legal strategy tailored specifically to securing the best possible outcome for you.
Our record of success for those accused of DWI in Audrain County is second to none, and we are committed to total client satisfaction in all that we do. When facing DWI charges near Audrain County, MO, prioritize making (314) 900-HELP your initial contact. We provide free case reviews and, at Combs Waterkotte, we are devoted to working with you, accommodating any financial challenges you may be facing, to mount a robust defense against your DWI charges in Audrain County, MO.
Audrain County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Audrain County and Missouri.
Do You Need a DWI Lawyer in Audrain County, MO?
If you’ve been charged with DWI in the Audrain County, MO area, hiring a DWI lawyer is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your rights, your record, and your future. Without a Audrain County, MO DWI defense lawyer, you could unintentionally give up critical rights or miss opportunities to reduce or eliminate the charges.
{How Combs Waterkotte Protects You in Audrain County, MO
- Review the traffic stop and arrest procedures for legality
- Challenge breathalyzer or blood test accuracy
- Expose any constitutional violations in your case
- Defend you in court and fight your license suspension
What Should I Do After I’m Pulled Over For DWI in Audrain County, MO?
After being pulled over by a police officer suspecting impairment due to alcohol or drugs in the Audrain County, MO area, it’s natural to be nervous. Being stopped by law enforcement for any moving violation is something that can trigger a “fight or flight” response, and this is amplified when you are accused of impaired driving. With extensive experience handling numerous DWI cases in Audrain County, MO, our firm recommends that you take the following course of action if you are ever pulled over for DWI:
- Pull over safely. Safely pull your vehicle to the side of the road. Use your turn signal, and choose a well-lit safe location. If you are on a road with a shoulder, pull over there, or find a nearby parking lot. Avoid parking on grass to maintain safety and compliance.
- Stay calm and cooperative. Remain calm and composed. Being hostile to a police officer will only make them more likely to search your car or subject you to increased scrutiny. Being polite goes a long way when being pulled over for DWI in the Audrain County, MO area.
- Avoid self-incrimination. Remember: you have the right to remain silent. Provide the officer your license and insurance/registration, but refrain from offering additional information. Law enforcement officers are looking for any reason to continue an investigation and arrest you, so it’s wise not to provide unnecessary data. You can always choose not to answer potentially incriminating questions, like “Have you been drinking?” by saying that you prefer not to respond without legal advice.
- Do not take a portable breath test. Refrain from taking a portable breath test. While Missouri enforces implied consent laws that lead to a one-year license revocation for refusing a breathalyzer or blood test, this is applicable only after you are formally arrested for DWI. Portable breathalyzers are frequently deemed unreliable and are only used as a way for an officer to get probable cause to arrest you.
- If you are arrested, call a lawyer as soon as you can. Your conversation with an attorney is entirely confidential and privileged under Missouri law. Getting advice from an experienced Audrain County, MO DWI lawyer regarding whether to undergo a breath test at the station, addressing any issues that arose in your stop, or other questions you might have can make the difference between losing the ability to drive for months and your case potentially being dismissed.
Being charged with driving under the influence carries severe legal repercussions in Audrain County, MO, encompassing fines, the suspension of your driver’s license, and the possibility of incarceration. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the potential consequences is critical, and a Combs Waterkotte lawyer is ready to provide detailed insights and more during a free case review. DWI laws can differ across jurisdictions, even in smaller areas neighboring Audrain County, MO, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance from an lawyer well-versed in the local legal landscape for personalized advice tailored to your unique circumstancesDriving under the influence has severe legal repercussions in Audrain County, MO, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Having a firm grasp of the potential outcomes is vital, and a Combs Waterkotte lawyer will provide that and more during a free case review. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas surrounding Audrain County, MO, so it’s advisable to consult with an attorney familiar with the laws in your area for specific advice tailored to your situation.

Fighting Both Sides Of Your DWI Case in Audrain County, MO
DWI cases in Missouri have two components: a criminal side and a civil side. The criminal punishments for DWI in Missouri are undeniably severe, with even a first DWI offense possibly resulting in substantial consequences as outlined in accordance with Missouri law, defining it as a class B misdemeanor:
- 8 points on your driving record
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Up to a $500 fine
- A 90-day drivers’ license suspension, the last 60 of which can be converted to a restricted driving privilege (RDP) permit
- Required participation in a drug/alcohol treatment program called Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP)
- Required purchase of a high-risk auto insurance plan, referred to as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility or an SR-22
Our knowledgeable Audrain County, MO legal team ensures that the residents of Audrain County, MO receive the best possible legal presentation, no matter the circumstance. After all, good people often find themselves in dire situations. In addition to DWI defense in Audrain County, MO, our attorneys are experienced in numerous types of cases, such as:
Can a DWI Charge Be Reduced in Audrain County, MO?
Yes, a DWI charge can be reduced in Audrain County, MO—but it depends on several factors, including the specifics of your case and the quality of your legal defense. The Combs Waterkotte DWI defense attorneys have had numerous DWI charges in Audrain County, MO and across Missouri reduced to a lesser offense like reckless driving or a traffic violation under circumstances like these:
- You’ve never been in trouble before
- Low blood alcohol content (BAC) near the legal limit of .08%
- No crash or injury occurred in Audrain County, MO
- Procedural errors by law enforcement (e.g., improper stop, flawed field sobriety or breath tests)
- We can dispute the accuracy or reliability of the tests
How Does This Happen?
A skilled Audrain County, MO DWI defense attorney, like the ones at Combs Waterkotte, can:
- Negotiate a plea deal to reduce the charges
- Propose community service or education as a substitute for conviction
- File motions to suppress evidence that was unlawfully obtained
- Highlighting mitigating factors that favor leniency
Why it Matters
A reduced charge in Audrain County, MO can help you:
- Avoid jail time
- Keep your driver’s license or reduce the suspension period
- Protect your criminal record
- Maintain employment, especially for CDL or professional license holders
- Minimizes insurance hikes

What Happens If This Isn’t My First DWI in Audrain County, MO?
If this is your second DWI arrest in Audrain County, MO, you will likely be facing class A misdemeanor charges, encompassing potential penalties like:
- No more than one year in jail (any jail sentence for a second DWI must include a minimum of 10 days of “shock time” in jail before possible suspension of sentence or probation)
- Maximum two years probation
- Fines of no more than $1,000
- The suspension of your driving privileges, which can be anywhere from one to five years
- You must install and maintain, at your own expense, a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID). This prevents someone from starting a vehicle if their BAC is over a certain limit.
- Regular, verifiable alcohol monitoring (either by regular breath tests or a wearable device)
- Mandatory participation in a drug/alcohol treatment program
- Required purchase of a high-risk auto insurance plan (SR-22)
The administrative component of a DWI case in Audrain County, MO has to do with your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue handles the revocation or suspension of your license. Most drivers in the Audrain County, MO area may be unaware that they have the option to appeal the automatic suspension or revocation, provided the appeal is submitted within 15 days of your initial arrest in Audrain County, MO.
When you hire the Audrain County, MO DWI lawyers at Combs Waterkotte, you can be confident that our firm will tackle both components of your DWI case as soon as possible and work hard to minimize the effect a DWI arrest has on your life. We will gather evidence, scrutinize the details of your case, identify potential holes in the Audrain County police report or arrest, and create a strategy that is built to win. Give us a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Reach Out To a Audrain County, MO DWI Lawyer Who Wins Right Away at Combs Waterkotte
If you have recently been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in Audrain County, MO, you likely understand the urgency surrounding your case. Swift action is crucial in securing a seasoned Audrain County, MO DWI lawyer to review documents, amass evidence, and construct a robust case, the higher the likelihood that the repercussions of your DWI arrest in Audrain County will be significantly reduced, if not eliminated.
Combs Waterkotte has helped hundreds of Audrain County, MO-area residents from all walks of life take on DWI charges. Our firm seamlessly blends unparalleled legal expertise and assertive advocacy with a commitment to personal service and communication that stands out among DWI law firms near Audrain County, MO and throughout Missouri. Our DWI attorneys assure you that, regardless of the time, location, or situation, they will promptly answer your call to discuss your case or any other legal concerns. This is part of our commitment to complete client satisfaction, as affirmed by our satisfied clients.
If you find yourself pulled over and facing DWI charges in the Audrain County, MO area, make (314) 900-HELP your first call for a free initial consultation. Trust the experienced Audrain County, MO DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte to diligently handle your case.